Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods for supplying Ethernet and USB power to a printer

ABSTRACT

Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) powered printing devices are provided. In particular, Ethernet and USB powered printers and methods of Ethernet powering of printers that support high speed printing and/or data intensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printing operations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for a power storage unit within the printer device that is able be charged during non-printing periods and provide for necessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, the present invention provides for devices and methods that allow for printers to operate with main power provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer control and image generating electronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB power insures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of main power outage. The invention also provides a printer and method that can optimize a printing operation, e.g., by adjusting the speed of the printing operation according to the power required for the operation and/or the power available.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/082,098, filed Nov. 15, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/336,089, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,587,825), filedJan. 20, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/645,294, filed Jan. 20, 2005, each of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to printers and, more specifically todevices and methods that provide for power to be supplied to a printerfrom a powered interface, such as an Ethernet network communicationtransmission line or a Universal Serial Bus, and/or to optimize aprinting operation according to the power required for the operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Local area networks (LANs) have grown tremendously in the last few yearsand, leading the way in the growth of LANs is the Ethernet type LAN.Ethernet was first developed in the mid 1970's. By the early 1980's, theInstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) developed astandard for Ethernet designated as IEEE 802.3, which has beenuniversally adopted by the network industry. From the early 1980's untilthe present, the IEEE 802.3 standard has undergone many revisions,including the addition of new features such as switched Ethernet, FastEthernet, Gigabit Ethernet and the like. Recently, the IEEE has adopteda new addition to the IEEE 802.3 standard, 802.3af, related to thetransmitting of power over Ethernet transmission lines.

Specifically, the 802.3af addition, referred to commonly as “Power overEthernet”, involves delivering 48 volts of AC power over unshieldedtwisted-pair wiring. Power over Ethernet provides for power to besupplied over existing Ethernet infrastructure; i.e., existing cable,horizontal and patch cables, patch-panels, outlets; and connectinghardware are implemented.

Traditionally, network devices, such as IP phones, wireless LAN accesspoints, laptop computers and the like, have required both an Ethernetconnection and an AC electrical connection. Given the increasing numberof LAN devices in corporations, wiring AC connections for each of themis a costly task. The 802.3af specification eliminates the need foradditional outlets and the labor cost incurred from contractingelectricians to install them.

Additionally, Power over Ethernet technology supports apoint-to-multipoint power distribution architecture, parallel to thedata network. This functionality allows network managers to implement asingle uninterruptible power supply (UPS) at the network core to back upmultiple scattered devices on the LAN.

Power over Ethernet provides for the power to be carried on two wirepairs, to comply with safety standards and existing cable limitations.802.3af power sourcing equipment contains a detection mechanism toprevent sending power to noncompliant devices. Only terminals thatpresent an authenticated Power over Ethernet signature will receivepower, preventing damage to other equipment.

The 802.3af specification defines the current delivered to each node inthe network as limited to 350 milliamps. The total amount of continuouspower that can be delivered to each node, taking into account power lossover the cable, is 12.95 watts. For typical networked devices, such asIP telephones or wireless LAN access points, this is sufficient powerbecause these types of devices consume between 3 and 10 watts of power.

However, other devices, and specifically LAN printers, typically requirehigher power. For example, LAN printers require additional power to beable to print at high speeds and/or to print images having extensivedata. In this instance the total amount of continuous power that issupplied to the printer by the Ethernet connection is insufficient tosupport high speed printer and/or printing of data intensive materials.

Additionally, other networked devices, specifically LAN printers,typically rely on conventional AC electrical connections as a means ofsupplying power. However, outages in the AC electrical power routinelyoccur and interrupt the printing process. In addition to impeding theprint process, power outages may cause the loss of data andconfigurations in the printer control and image generating electronics.The loss of such data and configurations means that once the ACelectrical power is restored, the printing process can not resume untilthe data and configurations are reset in the printer control and imagegenerating electronic. Such resetting of data and configurations furtherdelays printings; thus, adding unnecessary inefficiency to the printingoperation.

Some computer peripheral devices, which can be networked ornon-networked, are configured to be powered via a Universal Serial Bus(USB), by which the devices can also receive commands or othercommunications. Standard USB (e.g., the USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 protocols)can be used to power devices but generally provides only low power,typically a maximum power of about 2.5 watts. Devices that require morethan about 2.5 watts during operation, such as typical printers, aretherefore not powered by standard USB. Instead, such devices are poweredby a separate power supply or are configured for a different USBprotocol such as powered USB (or “USB PlusPower”), which can typicallyprovide no more than about 48 watts continuously (at 24 volts DC) perconnector. A separate power supply typically requires a conventional ACelectrical connection, which is subject to possible outages as describedabove. While a powered USB connection may avoid reliance on a separateconventional AC electrical connection, a powered USB connection may beunavailable in some cases, e.g., where the device is to be connected toa computer that does not have an available powered USB connection.

Therefore a need exists to develop LAN printers, specifically EthernetLAN printers that are able to benefit from Power over Ethernetspecifications, and/or printers that can benefit from power provided viaother powered interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus. The desiredprinters and methods should provide for adequate power to be supplied tothe printer to support high speed printing and/or the printing of dataintensive materials. Additionally, the desired printers and methodsshould provide for interface power such as Ethernet or USB power tosustain printing operations in instances in which outages occur in themain AC electrical connection. In addition to providing back-up powerfor the print operations, the interface power should provide back-uppower to the data and configuration settings in the printer control andimage generating electronics, insuring that such information is not lostduring an AC power outage. Further, the printers should be adaptable forcontrolling a printing operation according to the power required for theoperation, where the power is supplied by a powered interface or byanother power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interface powered printer device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternate interface powered printerdevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of yet another interface powered printerdevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a flow diagram of a method for providing Ethernet power to aprinter device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A a flow diagram of a method for providing USB power to a printerdevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is flow diagram of an alternate method for providing Ethernetpower to a printer device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5A is flow diagram of an alternate method for providing USB powerto a printer device, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a printhead of an Ethernet or USB poweredprinter device, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a printer device having a controllerconfigured to adjust the speed of the printer according to the powerrequired for a printing operation, in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The present invention provides for interface powered printing devices.In particular, the present invention provides for interface poweredprinters and methods of providing interface power to printers. Forexample, the printers can be powered by an Ethernet, Universal SerialBus (USB), or other powered interfaces. While Ethernet and USBinterfaces are described throughout this application, it is understoodthat other powered interfaces can also be used, including someinterfaces that have not been developed at this time, such as poweredIEEE1284 (parallel) or powered Firewire interfaces.

The methods and devices support high speed printing and/or dataintensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printingoperations can be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for an energy orpower storage unit within the printer device that is able to provide fornecessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. Inaddition, the present invention provides for devices and methods thatallow for printers to operate with primary power provided byconventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to besupplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention providesfor Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data andconfiguration settings in the printer control and image generatingelectronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB powerinsures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of mainpower outage.

An embodiment of the present invention is defined by a printing devicecapable of obtaining power from an Ethernet network transmission line ora USB connection. The device includes a power and data interface incommunication with a powered Ethernet communication port or USBcommunication port that separates the data transmission in the Ethernetor USB communication from the power transmission, a power converter incommunication with the power and data interface, a printer control andimage generating circuit in data communication with the interface and inelectrical communication with the power converter, and a print mechanismin data communication with the printer control and image generatingcircuit that receives print control and image data from the circuit. Inoperation the power converter receives the power transmission from theinterface and converts the signal to a supply voltage, which in turn isprovided to the print control and image generating circuit. The powerthat is supplied to the print control and image generating circuit fromthe Ethernet network transmission line or USB connection may be theprimary electrical source or it may provide for the back-up electricalsource.

In specific embodiments the power converter may be in direct electricalcommunication with the print mechanism and printhead, collectivelyreferred to herein as the print mechanism. Typically, since the amountof direct power from the Ethernet or USB supply source is limited,direct electrical connection between the power converter and the printmechanism is limited to printers having low print speeds and limitedprint data. In such embodiments the power that is supplied to the printmechanism from the Ethernet network transmission line or USB connectionmay be the primary electrical source or it may provide for the back-upelectrical source.

Additionally, the printing device described above may include an energystorage unit in electrical communication with the print mechanism and anenergy storage controller in electrical communication with the powerconverter and the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit andassociated controller is typically required if the print mechanismperforms high speed and/or data intensive printing and Ethernet or USBpowering of the print operation is desired. The energy storagecontroller acts as an energy storage unit charger, in that, it receivessupply voltage from the power converter and provides the supply voltageto the energy storage unit. In operation, the energy storage unit,typically a battery or the like, generally is charged duringnon-printing periods and provides for energy bursts necessary to providepower to the print mechanism. In embodiments of the invention in whichan energy storage unit and associated storage controller are present toprovide power to the print mechanism, the power that is supplied to theprint mechanism may come primarily from the energy storage unit or theenergy storage unit may be relied upon for back-up power. In embodimentshaving an energy storage unit and associated controller it may benecessary to include an additional power converter that is in electricalcommunication with the energy storage unit and the print mechanism. Theadditional power converter may be required to convert the energy storagevoltage to the necessary print mechanism operating voltage.Alternatively, it may be possible to forego the additional powerconverter in embodiments in which the primary power converter iscompatible with the requirements of the print mechanism.

In addition, the printing device described above may include anAlternating Current-Direct Current (AC-DC) converter that is inelectrical communication with an electrical transmission line and thepower converter. In such embodiments, the electrical transmission line(i.e., the power mains), typically provides the primary power to theprinter control and image generating circuitry and/or the printingmechanism. In one specific embodiment the electrical transmission lineprovides the only power source for the print mechanism and the primarypower source for the printer control and image generating circuitry,with the Ethernet or USB supplied power acting as the back-up power forthe printer control and image generating circuitry. In embodimentshaving an AC-DC converter it may be necessary to include an additionalpower converter that is in electrical communication with the AC-DCconverter and the print mechanism. The additional power converter may berequired to convert the AC-DC converter voltage to the necessary printmechanism operating voltage. Alternatively, it may be possible to foregothe additional power converter in embodiments in which the primary powerconverter is compatible with the requirements of the print mechanism.

Another embodiment of the present invention is defined by a printingdevice capable of obtaining power from an Ethernet network transmissionline or USB connection. In this embodiment the printing device includesa power and data interface in communication with a powered Ethernet orUSB communication port that separates data transmission from powertransmission, a power converter in communication with the power and datainterface, an energy storage controller in electrical communication withthe first power converter, a power storage unit in electricalcommunication with the energy storage controller, and a print mechanismin electrical communication with the energy storage unit that receiveselectrical power from the energy storage unit. As such, the printmechanism may be solely powered by the voltage supplied from the energystorage unit or the voltage supplied by the energy storage unit mayserve as back-up power for the print mechanism.

The printing device of this alternate embodiment may also include anadditional power converter that is in electrical communication with theenergy storage unit and the print mechanism. The additional powerconverter may be required to convert the energy storage voltage to thenecessary print mechanism operating voltage. Alternatively, it may bepossible to forego the additional power converter in embodiments inwhich the primary power converter is compatible with the requirements ofthe print mechanism.

Additionally, the device may include an optional printer control andimage generating circuit in data communication with the interface and inelectrical communication with the power converter. In such embodimentsthe circuit may be powered directly from the Ethernet poweredtransmission line or USB connection, from the energy storage unit orfrom a conventional AC electrical transmission line.

The invention is also embodied in a printing device capable of obtainingpower from an Ethernet network transmission line or USB connection. Inthis alternate embodiment the printing device includes a power and datainterface in communication with a powered Ethernet or USB communicationport that separates data transmission from power transmission, a firstpower converter in communication with the power and data interface and aprinter control and image generating circuit in data communication withthe interface and in electrical communication with the power converter.The device also includes an AC-DC converter in electrical communicationwith an electrical transmission line and in electrical communicationwith the first power converter and a print mechanism in datacommunication with the printer control and image generating circuit andin electrical communication with the AC-DC converter. In this embodimentthe electrical transmission line typically provides the primary power tothe printer control and image generating circuitry, and the Ethernetnetwork transmission line or USB connection typically provides secondarypower to the printer control and image generating circuitry.Additionally, the printer device of this embodiment may include anadditional power converter in electrical communication with the AC-DCconverter and the print mechanism. Similar to the additional powerconverter in the previously described embodiments, the additional powerconverter may be required to convert the energy storage voltage to thenecessary print mechanism operating voltage. Alternatively, it may bepossible to forego the additional power converter in embodiments inwhich the primary power converter is compatible with the requirements ofthe print mechanism.

The invention is also embodied in various methods for providing Ethernetor USB power to at least a portion of a printer device. One methodincludes the steps of receiving, at a printer device, an Ethernetnetwork signal or USB signal having a voltage component, converting thevoltage component of the Ethernet network signal or USB signal to asupply voltage, and providing operating power to a printer control andimage generating circuit in the form of the supply voltage. The methodmay additionally include the step of segregating the voltage componentfrom a data component of the Ethernet network signal or USB signal. Thestep of providing operating power to a printer control and imagegenerating circuit in the form of the supply voltage may further bedefined as providing the sole operating power to the circuit or it maybe defined as providing back-up power to the circuit. The method mayalso include the step of providing operating power to a print mechanismin the form of the supply voltage. The step of providing operating powerto the print mechanism in the form of the supply voltage may further bedefined as providing the sole operating power to the print mechanism orit may be defined as providing back-up power to the print mechanism.

In an alternate embodiment, a method for providing Ethernet or USB powerto at least a portion of a printer device is defined. The methodincludes the steps of receiving, at a printer device, an Ethernetnetwork signal or USB signal having a voltage component, converting thevoltage component of the Ethernet network signal or USB signal to asupply voltage, providing the supply voltage to an energy storagecontroller, storing the supply voltage at an energy storage unit, andproviding operating power to a print mechanism in the form of supplyvoltage stored at the energy storage unit. The step of providingoperating power to a print mechanism in the form of supply voltagestored at the energy storage unit may further including providing soleoperating power to the print mechanism in the form of supply voltagestored at the energy storage unit or providing back-up operating powerto the print mechanism in the form of supply voltage stored at theenergy storage unit. As such the present invention provides for novelprinting devices and methods for providing power to a printer usingEthernet or USB power. In particular, the methods and devices supporthigh speed printing and/or data intensive printing by providing for anenergy storage unit within the printer device that is able to providefor the necessary high powered energy bursts to support such higherpowered processes. In addition, the present invention provides fordevices and methods that allow for printers to operate with primarypower provided by conventional power mains and for back-up or secondarypower to be supplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, theinvention provides for Ethernet or USB powering, both primary andback-up, of the data and configuration settings in the printer controland image generating electronics. In the back-up power mode, theEthernet or USB power insures that data and configurations are not lostduring periods of main power outage. Thus, the present inventionprovides for alternate means of powering a networked printer and formeans of providing back-up power to the printer during instances ofpower outages.

As such the present invention provides for novel printing devices andmethods for providing power to a printer using Ethernet or USB power. Inparticular, the methods and devices support high speed printing and/ordata intensive printing by providing for a power storage unit within theprinter device that is able to provide for the necessary high poweredenergy bursts to support such higher powered processes. In addition, thepresent invention provides for devices and methods that allow forprinters to operate with primary power provided by conventional powermains and for back-up or secondary power to be supplied by Ethernet orUSB power. Additionally, the invention provides for Ethernet or USBpowering, both primary and back-up, of the data and configurationsettings in the printer control and image generating electronics. In theback-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB power insures that data andconfigurations are not lost during periods of main power outage. Thus,the present invention provides for alternate means of powering anetworked printer and for means of providing back-up power to theprinter during instances of power outages.

The present invention provides for Ethernet-powered or Universal SerialBus (USB)-powered printing devices and methods for providing Ethernet orUSB power to printing devices. Printing devices, such as thermaltransfer (TT) printers, label printers and the like typically operate athigh-speed and provide for data-intensive printing. As such, theseprinter devices require high power to operate. Current direct supplyEthernet power does not provide for sufficient power to operate suchprinting devices. Similarly, standard USB provides a maximum of about2.5 watts, which is typically less than the maximum power requiredduring operation of such devices. The present invention addresses thisproblem in one embodiment by implementing a power storage unit thatstores requisite power, which is then supplied to the printing mechanismand printhead in high powered bursts. Additionally, since networkedprinters are provided print control and image generating data via anEthernet connection, a need exists to insure that this data ismaintained even in the event of a conventional power outage. Thus thepresent invention provides for printing devices and methods forproviding back-up power, in the form of Ethernet power, to the printcontrol circuitry and/or the printing mechanism.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a printer device having interfacepower capabilities, such as Ethernet or USB power capabilities, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment of the invention, power to the print control circuitry andthe print mechanism is supplied solely by the interface power, e.g.,Ethernet or USB power. The printer device 10 can include any suitableprinting device having an appropriate connection, such as an Ethernetnetwork connection or USB connection. Typically, such printer devicesinclude, but are not limited to, label printers, smart label printers,TT printers, and the like. The term “smart” can refer to a printer thatis configured to use a page description language (PDL) such as ZebraProgramming Language (ZPL) and/or a printer that can be adapted forprinting and/or encoding RFID-equipped labels. The printer deviceincludes an interface port, such as a powered Ethernet communicationport or USB communication port 20 that is in communication with atransmission line, such as an Ethernet transmission line or a USBconnection. In the case of an Ethernet powered device, the poweredEthernet port 20 can provide for an authenticated Power over Ethernetsignature that informs the network that the printer device is equippedto receive power transmissions over the Ethernet line. Currently, thepowered Ethernet port is compliant with IEEE standard 802.3af, whichdefines the requirements for Power over Ethernet. However, networkstandards may change in the future and therefore, compliance with the802.3af standard may not be required to implement the devices andmethods of the present invention. Similarly, in the case of otherpowered interfaces, the port 20 can provide for a signature thatindicates that the printer device is equipped to receive powertransmissions over the connection. In some cases, however, such asignature may not be required. For example, the current standard forpowered USB (“USB PlusPower”), provides for a special connector thatprovides power transmission over dedicated wires rather than on the samewires as the signal, so a signature would typically not be required inthat case.

The interface port shown in FIG. 1 is a powered Ethernet communicationport or USB communication port 20 that is in communication with powerand data interface 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the communicationbetween the port and the interface is conducted via cable 22, typicallya twisted pair cable that provides for power and data transmissions.However, other means of Ethernet or USB communication may be establishedbetween the port and the interface without departing from the inventiveconcepts herein disclosed. The power and data interface is responsiblefor separating the power and data components of the Ethernet or USBcommunication into respective components. The data component of theEthernet or USB communication is communicated from the interface to theprinter control and image generating circuitry 40, which is in datacommunication with the circuitry. The printer control and imagegenerating circuitry uses the information provided via the Ethernetnetwork or USB connection, as well as information provided by othersources, including the device user, the print image and the like, toprovide requisite print data, controls and feedback to the printmechanism 50, which is in data communication with the circuitry. Theprint mechanism is assumed to include the printhead, which is notdepicted in FIG. 1. An exemplary printhead is illustrated in FIG. 6.

The power component of the Ethernet or USB communication is communicatedfrom the interface to power converter 60, which is in electricalcommunication with the interface. The power converter converts the powerin the Ethernet or USB transmission to the requisite supply voltage forthe printer control and image generating circuitry 40. Once convertedthe regulated voltage is communicated from the converter to thecircuitry and supplies the power necessary to operate the print controland image generating circuitry. An Alternating Current-Direct Current(AC-DC) converter can be provided, e.g., in either the communicationwith power and data interface 30 or in the power converter 60 to convertthe Ethernet power (typically 48 volts AC) to the power required by theprinter (typically about 20-24 volts DC).

In addition to supplying the power to the circuitry, the power converteris also in electrical communication with power storage controller 70.The storage controller, otherwise commonly referred to as a batterycharger, is in communication with power storage unit 80, otherwisecommonly referred to as a battery. The storage controller is responsiblefor managing the voltage that is supplied to the power storage unit and,as such, provides voltage to the storage unit. The storage unittypically is charged during non-printing periods. The power storage unitprovides for accumulation of power, such that higher powered energybursts can be communicated to the print mechanism 50 to support highspeed printing and/or data-intensive printing. An additional optionalpower converter 90 may be implemented to convert the power storagevoltage to the operating voltage of the print mechanism. In suchembodiments, the optional power converter can be in electricalcommunication with the power storage unit 80 and the print mechanism 50.The additional power converter is not required if the print mechanism iscapable of operating at power storage unit voltage. In an alternateembodiment, it may be possible to combine the functionality of powerconverter 60 and power converter 90 into a single power converter unitif the print mechanism requirements are compatible.

In an alternate embodiment, the storage controller 70 and the powerstorage unit 80 may be excluded if the direct power from the Ethernet orUSB power transmission is sufficient to support the requirements of theprinting process. Typically, the storage controller and power storageunits are optional if the printing device is limited to low speed printoperations and printing of images having limited data. In suchembodiments, the print mechanism can be in direct electricalcommunication with a power converter, eliminating the need to accumulateand store power for higher powered print processing.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a printer device having interfacepower capabilities, such as Ethernet or USB power capabilities, inaccordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment of the invention, power to the print mechanism andprimary power to the print control circuitry is supplied by conventionalpower mains and back-up power to the print control circuitry is suppliedby the interface power, e.g., Ethernet or USB power. Similar to the FIG.1 embodiment, the printer device 10 includes any suitable printingdevice having an appropriate interface connection, such as an Ethernetnetwork connection or USB connection. Typically, such printer devicesinclude, but are not limited to, label printers, smart label printers(i.e., printers configured to use a page description language (PDL)and/or printers adapted for printing and/or encoding RFID-equippedlabels), TT printers, and the like. The printer device includes apowered interface port, such as a powered Ethernet communication port orUSB communication port 20 that is in communication with an Ethernettransmission line or a USB connection.

The powered Ethernet communication port or USB communication port 20 isin communication with power and data interface 30. In the illustratedembodiment, the communication between the port and the interface isconducted via cable 22, typically a twisted pair cable that provides forpower and data transmissions. However, other means of Ethernet or USBcommunication may be established between the port and the interfacewithout departing from the inventive concepts herein disclosed. Thepower and data interface is responsible for separating the power anddata components of the Ethernet or USB communication into respectivecomponents. The data component of the Ethernet or USB communication iscommunicated from the interface to the printer control and imagegenerating circuitry 40, which is in data communication with thecircuitry. The printer control and image generating circuitry uses theinformation provided via the Ethernet network or USB connection, as wellas information provided by other sources, including the device user, theprint image and the like, to provide requisite print data, controls andfeedback to the print mechanism 50, which is in data communication withthe circuitry.

The power component of the Ethernet or USB communication is communicatedfrom the interface to power converter 60, which is in electricalcommunication with the interface. The power converter converts the powerin the Ethernet or USB transmission to the requisite supply voltage forthe printer control and image generating circuitry 40. This power can berelied upon as back-up power in the instance in which a power outageoccurs across the power mains transmission line.

The FIG. 2 embodiment of the invention also includes an AlternatingCurrent-Direct Current (AC-DC) converter 100 that is in electricalcommunication with a power mains electrical transmission line. Aspreviously noted in this embodiment of the invention the power mains isresponsible for providing sole power to the print mechanism and primarypower to the print control mechanism; use of Ethernet or USB power islimited to back-up power for the print control circuitry. The AC-DCconverter receives the AC electrical signal from the power mains lineand converts the signal to a direct current signal. The AC-DC converteris in electrical communication with power converters 60 and 90, suchthat the DC signal is converted to requisite operating voltages forprint control circuitry 40 and the print mechanism 50, respectively.Alternatively, it may be possible to configure the printer device with asingle power converter if the output voltage of the converter iscompatible with both the print control circuitry and the printmechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a printer device having interfacepower capabilities, such as Ethernet or USB power capabilities, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment of the invention, primary power is supplied to the printcontrol circuitry and the print mechanism via power mains and back-uppower is supplied to the print control circuitry and the print mechanismvia interface power, e.g., Ethernet or USB power. The printer device 10includes any suitable printing device having an appropriate connection,such as an Ethernet network connection or USB connection. Similar to theFIGS. 1 and 2 embodiments, such printer devices include, but are notlimited to, label printers, smart label printers (i.e., printersconfigured to use a page description language (PDL), TT printers, andthe like. The printer device includes a powered communication port suchas an Ethernet communication port or USB communication port 20 that isin communication with an Ethernet transmission line or USB connection.

The powered Ethernet communication port or USB communication port 20 isin communication with power and data interface 30. The power and datainterface is responsible for separating the power and data components ofthe Ethernet or USB communication into respective components. The datacomponent of the Ethernet or USB communication is communicated from theinterface to the printer control and image generating circuitry 40,which is in data communication with the circuitry. The printer controland image generating circuitry uses the information provided via theEthernet network or USB connection, as well as information provided byother sources, including the device user, the print image and the like,to provide requisite print data, controls and feedback to the printmechanism 50, which is in data communication with the circuitry.

The power component of the Ethernet or USB communication is communicatedfrom the interface to power converter 60, which is in electricalcommunication with the interface. The power converter converts the powerin the Ethernet or USB transmission to the requisite supply voltage forthe printer control and image generating circuitry 40. This power can berelied upon as back-up power in the instance in which a power outageoccurs across the power mains transmission line.

The FIG. 3 embodiment of the invention includes an AlternatingCurrent-Direct Current (AC-DC) converter 100 that is in electricalcommunication with a power mains electrical transmission line. Aspreviously noted in this embodiment of the invention the power mains isresponsible for providing primary power to the print mechanism and theprint control mechanism; use of Ethernet or USB power is limited toback-up power for the print control circuitry and the print mechanism.The AC-DC converter receives the AC electrical signal from the powermains line and converts the signal to a direct current signal. The AC-DCconverter is in electrical communication with power converter 60, suchthat the DC signal is converted to requisite operating voltages forprint control circuitry. Alternatively, although not depicted in FIG. 3,the AC-DC converter may be in direct electrical communication with powerconverter 90.

In addition to supplying the power to the circuitry, power converter 60is also in electrical communication with power storage controller 70.The storage controller, otherwise commonly referred to as a batterycharger, is in communication with power storage unit 80, otherwisecommonly referred to as a battery. The storage controller is responsiblefor managing the voltage that is supplied to the power storage unit and,as such, provides voltage to the storage unit. The storage unittypically is charged during non-printing periods. The power storage unitprovides for accumulation of power, such that higher powered energybursts can be communicated to the print mechanism 50 to support highspeed printing and/or data-intensive printing. An additional optionalpower converter 90 may be implemented to convert the power storagevoltage to the operating voltage of the print mechanism. In suchembodiments, the optional power converter can be in electricalcommunication with the power storage unit 80 and the print mechanism 50.The additional power converter is not required if the print mechanism iscapable of operating at power storage unit voltage. In an alternateembodiment, it may be possible for power converter 60 to convert powerfor the power storage unit if the print mechanism voltage requirementsare compatible with the output voltage of power converter 60.

For example, if the power and data interface 30 is connected to a USBcommunication port 20, the power and data interface separates the powerand data components of the USB communication into respective components.The data component of the USB communication is communicated from theinterface to the printer control and image generating circuitry 40, andthe data component is used to provide print data, controls and feedbackto the print mechanism 50. The power component of the USB communicationis communicated from the interface 30 to power converter 60, whichconverts the power in the USB transmission to the requisite supplyvoltage for the printer control and image generating circuitry 40. Powerthat is not used for printing can instead be delivered via the powerstorage controller 70 to the power storage unit 80. For example, duringnon-printing periods or other periods of low power demand, the powerstorage unit 80 can be charged. The energy stored in the unit 80 can besupplied for printing as necessary, e.g., if the power required for aprinting operation exceeds the power available from the power converter60.

Further, the circuitry 40 (or other circuitry) can restrict the printingoperation according to the power that is available from the powerconverter 60 and/or the power storage unit 80. For example, thecircuitry 40 can continuously monitor the state of the power converter60 and the power storage unit 80 to determine the total power availablefor a printing operation and limit the operation of the printeraccordingly. Thus, e.g., if the total power available from the powerconverter 60 and the power storage unit 80 is insufficient for operatingthe print mechanism 50 above a particular determined speed, thecircuitry 40 can limit the operation of the print mechanism 50 to aspeed less than the particular determined speed. Similarly, otherrestrictions can be imposed on the printing operation according to theavailable power, such as a restriction on printing features. If thetotal power available from the power converter 60 and the power storageunit 80 is greater than the power required for the present operation ofthe printer, unrestricted operation of the printer can be enabled.

If the USB communication port 20 connected to the power and datainterface 30 is a low voltage USB, such as a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0connection that provides a maximum power of about 2.5 watts, the powerreceived from the USB may be insufficient for continuously operating theprinter. However, the power can be used to partially power the printingoperation, i.e., by supplementing another power source. Also, energyreceived from the USB port 20 can be stored and delivered at a differenttime and/or power. In particular, if the power and data interface 30receives a continuous supply of energy at a relatively low power fromthe USB port, the energy can be stored in the power storage unit 80 anddelivered at a greater voltage and/or current during intermittentperiods of printing. Thus, the power storage unit 80 can be configuredto provide power to the print mechanism 50 at a power level that isgreater than the maximum power level of the communication port 20.Therefore, the power from the USB port can be used for printing, even ifthe maximum power level of the USB port is a relatively low level, e.g.,at about 2.5 watts or less, and the printer requires power at a higherlevel, e.g., above 2.5 watts (in some cases, above 5 watts or, in othercases, above 10 watts), during some periods of operation. While thepower and data interface 30 receives power from a USB connection in theforegoing example, a powered Ethernet transmission line can instead beprovided for powering the printer device 10.

In some cases, the printer can determine the power that will be requiredfor performing certain printing operations and adjust the speed or otheroperational parameters of the printer accordingly. For example, theprinter control and image generating circuitry 40 (or other circuitry ofthe printer) can determine the print density requirements according tothe data component of the Ethernet or USB communication that iscommunicated from the interface 30 or according to the print data thatis provided by the circuitry 40 in response to the data component of theEthernet or USB communication. The print density requirements, whichindicate the required density of the printing that is to be performed,can be determined by the number of dots or printhead elements that areto be activated per line and the darkness setting for an upcoming printoperation. The print density requirements and the print speed are atleast partially indicative of the power requirements for conducting aparticular printing operation. That is, greater print density generallyrequires greater power, and faster printing speed generally requiresgreater power. Thus, the power required for a printing operation can bedetermined, at least in part, by evaluating the print densityrequirements and printing speed. In some cases, the printer control andimage generating circuitry 40 (or other circuitry of the printer) candetermine the print density requirements and, hence, the power requiredfor upcoming print operations, and adjust the speed of the printeraccordingly.

For example, if the power required for printing a subsequent line ofprint exceeds the power available from the power converter 60 and/or thepower storage unit 80 (if present), the printer control and imagegenerating circuitry 40 can reduce the speed of the print mechanism 50so that the required power is less than or equal to than that availablefrom the power converter 60 and/or the power storage unit 80. Similarly,if the power available from the power converter 60 and/or the powerstorage unit 80 exceeds the power required for printing a subsequentline at the current speed, the printer control and image generatingcircuitry 40 can increase the speed of the print mechanism 50 to adesired speed, which can be predetermined by the printer or input by auser, thereby reducing the total time for a printing operation. If theprinter is already operating at the desired speed, the operation can becontinued at the desired speed if there is sufficient power availablefor doing so. In this way, the required power for printing can belimited to the power that is available, and/or the speed or otheroperation of the printer can be optimized.

This optimization of the printing power, speed, and other aspects of theprinter operation can be performed regardless of the power source forpowering the printer. That is, the printer can be configured to operateon Ethernet or USB power, as described above. Alternatively, the printercan be configured to operate on other power, such as by using aconventional power adapter that is connected to a conventional ACelectrical outlet. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG.7, the printer device 10 includes a power converter 60 that is aconventional power adapter that receives power from a conventional powersource, i.e., an AC electrical outlet. Data is received via a datainterface 30 that is connected by a cable 22 (or other connection, suchas a wireless connection) to a port 20 of a data transmission line orother connection. The power converter 60 can be configured to providepower directly to the print mechanism 50, and/or a battery charger 70,battery 80, and power converter 90 can be provided so that the output ofthe power converter 60 can be stored before use. In either case, theprinter can be configured to adjust the speed or other operation of theprinter so that the available power from the converter 60 is notexceeded. For example, a controller 120 can be provided for controllingthe printing operation, or the printer control and image generatingcircuitry 40 can perform the control operation. In this respect, thecontroller 120 or circuitry 40 can periodically determine, orcontinuously monitor, the power required for an upcoming operation ofthe print mechanism 50, e.g., according to the print densityrequirements determined by a data communication that is communicatedfrom the interface 30 or according to the print data that is provided bythe circuitry 40 in response to the data communication. Based on thepower required for performing the printing operation, the controller 120or circuitry 40 can adjust a speed of the print mechanism 50 so that therequired power of the print mechanism 50 does not exceed an amount ofpower available from the power converter 60. For example, the speed ofthe print mechanism can be increased if the required power is less thanthe amount of power available from the power converter 60 (and/or thebattery 80) and decreased if the required power is greater than theamount of power available from the power converter 60 (and/or thebattery 80).

Further, in some embodiments, the various components of the printer canbe operated at distinct times such that the required operating power isless than the power available from the power converter 60 and/or thepower storage unit 80 (if present). In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates aprinthead 110, such as the printhead of the print mechanism 50. Theprinthead 110 includes a number of printhead elements 112, which areselectively energized during a printing operation to print at variouspositions along the printhead 110. A relatively small number ofprinthead elements 112 is shown in FIG. 6 for illustrative clarity,though it is appreciated that any number of printhead elements can beprovided, and the printhead elements can be disposed in otherconfigurations, on one or more printheads. Multiple printhead strobelines 114 a-114 f are provided for controlling the operation of theprinthead elements 112. That is, the printhead strobe lines areconfigured to separately control the operation of different groups ofprinthead elements, some or all of which may be energized during eachline or printing or other print cycle. In particular, the first strobeline 114 a controls a first group 112 a of the printhead elements, asecond strobe line 114 b separately controls a second group 112 b of theprinthead elements, and the other strobe lines 114 c-114 f separatelycontrol third, fourth, fifth, and sixth groups 112 c-112 f of theprinthead elements. During an operation of the printhead 110, theenergizing of the strobe lines and, hence, the operation of theprinthead elements, can be controlled, e.g., by the printer control andimage generating circuitry 40, the print mechanism 50, or anothercircuit. In any case, the strobe lines 114 a-114 f can be individuallyand separately energized so that the different groups of printheadelements print in a successively timed manner.

For example, the printer control and image generating circuit can beconfigured to selectively activate or energize groups of the printheadelements at different times. In this way, the number of printheadelements energized at any particular time can be limited, thereby alsolimiting the total power or current required for energizing theprinthead elements. For example, in one embodiment, the current requiredfor energizing all of the printhead elements at once can exceed 10 amps.By successively operating the printhead elements at different times, therequired current can be reduced to less than 2 amps. The timing andnumber of strobe lines and printhead elements that are energized at onetime can be optimized according to the power available. Thus, even ifthe power converter 60 (with or without the power storage unit 80) isnot configured to provide a total power that is required forsimultaneously powering all of the printhead elements, the poweravailable from the power converter 60 (and/or the power storage unit 80)can be used to perform a printing operation by successively activatingthe different groups of elements at different times, so that the powerrequired at any particular time for energizing the select groups is lessthan the total power.

In an alternate embodiment, the storage controller 70 and the powerstorage unit 80 may be excluded if the direct power from the Ethernet orUSB power transmission is sufficient to support the requirements of theprinting process. Typically, the storage controller and power storageunits are optional if the printing device is limited to low speed printoperations and printing of images having limited data. In suchembodiments, the print mechanism can be in direct electricalcommunication with a power converter, eliminating the need to accumulateand store power for higher powered print processing.

The invention is also embodied in various methods for supplying Ethernetor USB power to a printing device. FIGS. 4 and 4A provide for a flowdiagram of a method for providing Ethernet or USB power, respectively,to at least a portion of a printer device, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. At step 200, 200A, a poweredEthernet network signal or USB signal having a power component isreceived at a printer device. In the case of an Ethernet powered printerdevice (FIG. 4), the Ethernet signal typically is received at a poweredEthernet port that is compliant with IEEE 802.3af standards forcommunication of power over Ethernet. At optional step 210, 210A, theEthernet network signal or USB signal is separated into data componentsand power components and at step 220, 220A, the power component of theEthernet or USB signal is converted to a supply voltage. After the powercomponent has been converted to supply voltage, the supply voltage, atstep 230, 230A, is communicated to a printer control and imagegenerating circuit to provide the requisite operating power for thecircuit. The Ethernet or USB power that is supplied to the printercontrol and image generating circuit may be the only power supplied tothe circuit or it may serve as back-up power supplied to the circuit ifpower from a conventional source fails.

The method may additionally include optional step 240, 240A, ofcommunicating the supply voltage to a print mechanism and/or printheadto provide the requisite operating power for the print mechanism and/orthe printhead. The Ethernet or USB power that is supplied to the printmechanism and/or printhead may be the only power supplied to the printmechanism or printhead or it may serve as back-up power supplied to theprint mechanism or printhead if power from a conventional source fails.Typically, Ethernet or USB power provided to a print mechanism orprinthead is accumulated and stored prior to being provided to the printmechanism. Accumulation and storage of the power is typically necessarybecause the direct power from the Ethernet or USB source is limited.However, in certain printing devices that support lower speed printerand/or the printing of images having minimal data direct power from theEthernet or USB source may be sufficient to support powering of theprint mechanism and printhead absent power accumulation and storage.

FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate an alternate method for providing Ethernet orUSB power, respectively, to at least a portion of a printer device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 300,300A, a powered Ethernet network signal or USB signal having a powercomponent is received at a printer device. In the case of an Ethernetpowered printer device (FIG. 5), the Ethernet signal typically isreceived at a powered Ethernet port that is compliant with IEEE 802.3afstandards for communication of power over Ethernet. At optional step310, 310A, the Ethernet network signal or USB signal is separated intodata components and power components and at step 320, 320A, the powercomponent of the Ethernet or USB signal is converted to a supplyvoltage. At step 330, 330A, the supply voltage is communicated to apower storage controller and, at step 340, 340A, the supply voltage isstored at a power storage unit. In this regard, the power storagecontroller serves as a battery charger that manages the power suppliedto power storage unit or battery unit.

At optional step 350, 350A, voltage from the power storage unit isconverted to operating supply voltage for a print mechanism. Typically,conversion is required if the power storage unit voltage is notcompatible with the operating voltage of the print mechanism. At step360, 360A, operating power is provided to the print mechanism in theform of supply voltage stored at the power storage unit. The storageunit Ethernet or USB power that is supplied to the print mechanism maybe the only power supplied to the print mechanism or it may serve asback-up power supplied to the print mechanism if power from aconventional power source fails.

Thus, the present invention provides Ethernet or USB powered printingdevices. In particular, the present invention provides for Ethernet orUSB powered printers and methods of powering printers via the Ethernetor USB. The methods and devices support high speed printing and/or dataintensive printing. Such high-speed and/or data intensive printingoperations are able to be Ethernet or USB powered by providing for apower storage unit within the printer device that is able to provide fornecessary energy bursts to support such higher powered processes. Inaddition, the present invention provides for devices and methods thatallow for printers to operate with primary power provided byconventional power mains and for back-up or secondary power to besupplied by Ethernet or USB power. Additionally, the invention providesfor Ethernet or USB powering, both primary and back-up, of the data andconfiguration settings in the printer control and image generatingelectronics. In the back-up power mode, the Ethernet or USB powerinsures that data and configurations are not lost during periods of mainpower outage.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A printing device capable of obtaining powerfrom at least one of an Ethernet network transmission line and a USBconnection, the printing device comprising: a power and data interfacein communication with a port, the port being one of a powered Ethernetcommunication port and a USB communication port, the power and datainterface being configured to separate data transmission from powertransmission; a first power converter in communication with the powerand data interface, the power converter to supply an available amount ofpower; a controller configured to determine a required amount of powerfor an upcoming print operation that involves energizing printheadelements, the printhead elements including a first group of theprinthead elements and a second group of the printhead elements, whereinthe first group of the printhead elements is separately controllablefrom the second group of the printhead elements; a printer control andimage generating circuit in data communication with the power and datainterface and in electrical communication with the power converter, theprinter control and image generating circuit configured to: when therequired amount of power is less than or equal to the available amountof power, performing the print operation by simultaneously energizingthe first and second groups of the printhead elements; and when therequired amount of power is greater than the available amount of power,performing the print operation by alternately energizing the first groupof the printhead elements at first times and energizing the second groupof the printhead elements at second times.
 2. A printing device asdefined in claim 1, wherein the printhead elements are dots of a thermalprinthead.
 3. A printing device as defined in claim 1, wherein thecontroller is configured to determine the required amount of power basedon information received via the data transmission.
 4. A printing deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determinethe required amount of power based on print density information conveyedto the printing device via the data transmission.
 5. A printing deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determinethe required amount of power based on print speed information conveyedto the printing device via the data transmission.
 6. A printing deviceas defined in claim 1, wherein the controller is in communication withthe power converter.
 7. A printing device as defined in claim 1, whereinthe printer control and image generating circuit is configured todetermine the available amount of power from the power converter basedon communication with the power and data interface.
 8. A method forproviding power to a printing device, the method comprising: receiving,by a powered communication port of the printing device, a signalincluding power transmissions and data transmissions; separating, by apower and data interface of the printing device, the data transmissionsfrom the power transmissions; providing the power transmissions to apower converter of the printing device, the power converter to supply anavailable amount of power; determining a required amount of power for anupcoming print operation that involves energizing printhead elements,the printhead elements including a first group of the printhead elementsand a second group of the printhead elements, wherein the first group ofthe printhead elements is separately controllable from the second groupof the printhead elements; when the required amount of power is lessthan or equal to the available amount of power, performing the printoperation by simultaneously energizing the set of printhead elements;and when the required amount of power is greater than the availableamount of power, performing the print operation by alternatelyenergizing first group of the printhead elements at first times and thesecond group of the printhead elements at second times.
 9. A method asdefined in claim 8, wherein the printhead elements are dots of a thermalprinthead.
 10. A method as defined in claim 8, wherein the determiningof the required amount of power is based on information received via thedata transmission.
 11. A method as defined in claim 8, wherein thedetermining of the required amount of power is based on print densityinformation conveyed to the printing device via the data transmission.12. A method as defined in claim 8, wherein the determining of therequired amount of power is based on print speed information conveyed tothe printing device via the data transmission.
 13. A method as definedin claim 8, further comprising determining the available amount of powerfrom the power converter based on communication with the power and datainterface.